Planting a Flower Bed

The first step in designing your own unique flower bed is to find an area in your yard that will best accommodate your flowers. It should have adequate drainage and get at least four to six hours of sunlight everyday. Mark out the area with some stakes and work up the soil with a rototiller. After the soil has been tilled about nine inches deep, work in some organic compost to get great soil the natural way.

Next, determine what is going to go where in your flower bed, and be sure to pick perennials that are sturdy and will provide a great splash of color. You need to remember that perennials will come back year after year, so choose something you will be able to live with for a long amount of time. Now decide where you want to plant your bulbous flowers like irises, gladioli, and tulips. Don't forget that these plants have beautiful blossoms, but will only bloom for a short period of time. Bulbs look the best when they are planted in groups, so stake out your bulbous areas appropriately. Be sure to leave room for annuals from seed, because these will need to be replenished every year, so you have a little more freedom to get really creative. You can even add some herbs for a touch of added fragrance, that can also be used for cooking. Once you have all of your areas staked out you are now ready to start planting; begin with your perennials, then bulbs, and your annuals last.

Finish your flower bed by putting a border of ornamental rocks, railroad ties, or whatever you find appealing around it. Now you can enjoy your beautiful flower bed all throughout the spring and summer. Don't forget to water and fertilize your flower bed as needed.